Acquired Coagulopathies

Vitamin K Deficiency–Associated Coagulopathy

Vitamin K is essential for the liver to synthesize the key coagulation factors (II, VII, IX, X). When vitamin K is deficient, these factors are not produced adequately, and blood clotting is impaired. As a result, various types of bleeding may occur, including skin bruises, nasal and gingival bleeding, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, and, in severe cases, intracranial hemorrhage.

Causes may include:

Vitamin K– K-deficient diet

In newborns, low hepatic reserves and the absence of intestinal microflora

Liver diseases and fat malabsorption disorders (cholestasis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease)

Certain medications: warfarin (a vitamin K antagonist), broad-spectrum antibiotics

Diagnosis: Prolonged prothrombin time (PT), while platelet count remains normal.

Treatment:

Vitamin K administration (intravenous or oral in mild cases)

Fresh frozen plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in cases of severe or life-threatening bleeding

Prophylactic vitamin K injections for newborns to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn

In warfarin overdose, treatment aims to reverse its effects — primarily vitamin K, and in severe cases, PCC or fresh frozen plasma

It is essential not only to correct the vitamin K deficiency but also to address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.